Team Roles
Responding to a missing person in the wilderness requires a diverse set of skills, resources, and unwavering dedication. Search & Rescue of Central Florida (SARCF) and its team members continuously develop their individual expertise and team cohesion to maintain readiness for any situation. Through rigorous training, effective response strategies, and robust support systems, SARCF ensures a swift and organized approach to every mission.
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To conduct an effective search, SARCF depends on a comprehensive network of specialized roles, each contributing essential capabilities:

• Administrative
• Flankers/Field Searchers and Support*
• Rehab – Providing food, water, and shelter support
• Base Communications (HAM)
• Mechanics
• Safety
• Boat Operators*
• Medical – First Responders, EMTs, and Paramedics
• Technology Management
• Canine Handlers*
• Metal Detection Operators*
• Training/Education
• Equipment Haulers/Operators
• Navigators*
• Veterinary Care – DVMs and Vet Techs
• *Field Communications (HAM)
• Operations
• Financial Support
• Planning and Logistics

*Denotes field-deployable personnel

Field Deployable Teams
SARCF organizes its field operations into two primary deployable team types, each designed for specific scenarios:

1. K-9 Search Teams: Typically consisting of four members, these teams include one canine, a canine handler, one flanker/communicator, and one flanker/navigator. This structure ensures the handler can focus on their K-9 partner while the team supports the mission through navigation and communication.
2. Wilderness Search Teams (Non-K-9): These teams, also composed of four members, feature two flankers, one communicator, and one navigator. Without a canine, they rely on their expertise in search techniques, navigation, and maintaining seamless communication.

Each team is led by an experienced team leader with a deep understanding of search strategies and operational protocols. This leadership ensures that the team operates efficiently and safely in the field.

Key Roles Explained

• Flanker: A flanker plays a crucial role in area search techniques, clue awareness, and overall team safety while navigating challenging terrain. When paired with a K-9 team, flankers provide essential support, enabling the handler to concentrate fully on their dog’s performance.
• Communicator: This team member is responsible for maintaining open communication between the field team and the Incident Command Center (IC) using HAM radio equipment. They often double as a flanker, ensuring the team remains cohesive and informed.
• Navigator: The navigator ensures the team stays within the designated search area using advanced navigation tools such as maps, compasses, and GPS systems with UTM/NGPS mapping. Like communicators, navigators often fulfill the role of a flanker, adding flexibility and versatility to the team.

Together, these roles form the backbone of SARCF’s search and rescue operations, embodying precision, adaptability, and a commitment to bringing loved ones home safely.

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* Denotes field deployable personnel